Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
95. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when it is expected that two vessels acquired from the Royal New Zealand Navy will be brought into the service; the total crew complement required to put each vessel to sea; and the extent of territorial waters and the State's Exclusive Economic Zone these vessels are suitable to patrol. [29528/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in that they undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while conducting their primary day-to-day tasking of providing a fishery protection service. At any one time the Naval Service can have a number of ships that are on active operations whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels purchased on a government-to-government basis from New Zealand in 2022, arrived in Ireland last month. The vessels will undergo a comprehensive programme of works, including crew familiarisation and training, which will take place in the vicinity of Cork Harbour and the Naval Base at Haulbowline.
The core crew complement of each vessel is between 20 and 24 of suitably qualified and experienced personnel. While the vessels have a range of 3,000 nautical miles, with an ability to patrol in sea state 5 and survive in up to sea state 8, the intention is to operate on the Irish East Coast territorial seas and Exclusive Economic Zone. They will become fully operational when all of these targets are met and as soon as possible.
